Great White Shark

Also known as: Peacemaker, White Shark, Shark Shock

Breeder: Green House Seeds (bred by Shantibaba & Neville Schoenmaker; later released as Shark Shock via Mr. Nice Seeds)

Lineage & Genetics

Cross: Super Skunk x White Widow

Super Skunk: Skunk #1 backcrossed to an Afghan IBL for extra resin and density; contributes the acrid, skunky sweetness and heavy indica frame. White Widow (Brazilian Sativa x South Indian Indica): legendary 50/50 hybrid known for explosive trichome coverage and cerebral potency; contributes the frost, the South American fruit tones, and the mental clarity within the body stone.

Terpene Profile

Aroma: Pungent skunk funk layered over earthy sweetness and tropical fruit. Breaking buds open releases a sharp herbal-floral nose with undertones of citrus zest and damp soil. The Super Skunk ancestry brings an acrid edge that distinguishes it from the cleaner White Widow profile.

Flavor: Earthy and sweet on the inhale with herbal-skunky mid-tones and a fruity, slightly citrus exhale. Some phenotypes express a tobacco-like spice on the finish. Smoother than pure Skunk lines due to the South Indian indica influence.

Effects & Experience

Onset: Fast-hitting—effects are noticeable within 1–3 minutes. Begins as a warm cerebral rush with mild euphoria before the body effects take over.

Strong full-body relaxation with a surprisingly clear-headed mental state. Deeply stoning without total couch-lock in moderate doses. Higher doses push toward narcotic sedation. Appetite stimulation is common. The indica dominance produces heavy limbs and pain relief while maintaining enough sativa influence to keep the mind gently active.

Duration: Long-lasting; 2–3 hours of peak effects with residual relaxation extending further.

Growing Characteristics

Grow Tips: ScrOG and SOG are specifically recommended by the breeder — the short, branchy structure responds exceptionally well to horizontal training. Top the main stem by week 3 of veg to promote even canopy and reduce stretch. Defoliate lower and interior fan leaves during early flower to improve airflow through the dense canopy — bud rot is the primary risk with this strain. Keep humidity below 40% in the final 2–3 weeks of flower; the rock-hard buds trap moisture internally. Heavy feeder — can handle EC 1.8–2.2 in bloom without burn on most phenotypes. The extra-resinous phenotypes benefit from a 10–14 day flush for improved flavor. Support branches in late flower — colas get heavy enough to snap unsupported laterals. Hydro setups produce noticeably higher yields vs soil (referenced in the Highlife 2005 Hydro win).

History & Origin

Bred in the mid-1990s at Green House Seeds in Amsterdam by Shantibaba (Howard Marks) and Neville Schoenmaker. Released commercially circa 1996–1997. Won 2nd place in both the Bio and Best Cannabis categories at the 10th High Times Cannabis Cup in 1997—notably, the 1st place winner 'Peace Maker' entered by De Dampkring coffeeshop was the same genetics grown under its Dutch coffeeshop alias. After Shantibaba departed Green House Seeds in 1998, he re-released the genetics through Mr. Nice Seeds under the name 'Shark Shock,' using what he states is the original breeding stock. Green House Seeds continues to sell the strain under the Great White Shark name. The strain went on to win 1st place at the Highlife Cup 2005 in both the Hydro-Seedbanks and SuperCup categories. It remains one of the most influential indica-dominant hybrids of the 1990s and a key building block for CBD-rich medical crosses.

Notable Crosses

Strains bred using Great White Shark as a parent: